Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FA Cup match.
By the time Exeter City and Nottingham Forest step onto the pitch at St James Park, all other FA Cup fourth-round fixtures will have been completed. The winner of this clash will face Ipswich Town in the next round.
Exeter City
Yes, their ground is also called St James Park, but let’s not confuse it with Newcastle United’s fortress. This is a cosy stadium with a capacity of just 8,219, so a deafening home atmosphere isn’t expected. In Devon, rugby takes centre stage, with Exeter Chiefs having won the English Premiership in recent years. However, Exeter City’s fans will surely be excited by the arrival of a Premier League side like Nottingham Forest. To reach the FA Cup Round of 32, Exeter City knocked out Oxford United (3:1) from the Championship. However, their primary focus remains survival in League One, where they continue to struggle.
Nottingham Forest
While Exeter battle at the bottom of League One, Nottingham Forest are fighting for a Champions League spot in the Premier League. They are exceeding expectations, averaging nearly two points per match (47 from 24 games), sitting just three points behind second-placed Arsenal. Their last league outing was a statement win, thrashing Brighton (7:0)—a side that had never conceded that many goals before. Their attacking firepower is at its peak, and against a struggling third-tier opponent, the trend is likely to continue.
Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
Exeter’s defensive frailties are glaring—they’ve conceded 13 goals in their last three League One matches. Given Nottingham Forest’s rampant form, it’s hard to see the hosts putting up much resistance. Expect the visitors to score at least three goals and comfortably progress.
